Ioannis Machairas

Publications (4) View all

• Article: Frequency of aggressive behavior and a case of mortal attack in wildMacaca sylvanus in the Middle Atlas region (Morocco)

  Ciani A. Camperio, I. Machairas
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  ABSTRACT: We observed a mortal attack against an adult female in a wild population ofMacaca sylvanus in the Middle Atlas Cedar forest ecosystem near the town of Azrou, Morocco. This species is generally believed to be the least aggressive in the whole GenusMacaca. We investigated the possible factors responsible for such an extreme case of increased aggression such as: 1) density of population, 2) availability of food rescues, 3) male competition for females. During a twelve month behavioral observation, we compared the hourly agesex class aggression frequency in the population where the mortal attack occurred with another macaque population living in different ecological conditions relative to density, food distribution and distance from human settlements. The pattern of age-sex seasonal distribution of aggression shows that, in the Middle Atlas, the adult female is the age-sex class most involved in aggressions and especially during food shortage and when resources are patchily distributed, as in the case were the mortal attack occurred.
  Human Evolution 04/2012; 18(3):123-130.
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  Available from: Ioannis Machairas

  Article: Interpopulation differences in activity patterns ofMacaca sylvanus in the Moroccan Middle Atlas

  I. Machairas, A. Camperio Ciani, S. Sgardelis
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  ABSTRACT: We studiedMacaca sylvanus populations from a) a protected, relatively undamaged climax Cedar forest and b) a degraded, mixed Cedar-Oak forest. Animals exhibit considerable differences in demographic, social and time budget characteristics. In the degraded forest there were fewer social groups of smaller average group size and lower population density. Differences in habitat quality, patchiness and intensity of human activities between the two localities are reflected in macaque activity patterns. In the degraded forest the animals allocate less time to feeding, foraging (clumped food resources, smaller group sizes) and Vigilance (more habituated to human presence). They allocate more time to resting and they are involved more frequently in grooming (probably an indication of social tension within groups). In contrary social structures and wild stock, population is declining.
  Human Evolution 04/2012; 18(3):185-202.
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  Available from: Ioannis Machairas

  Article: Determining visitors' dispositions toward the designation of a Greek National Park.

  Ioannis Machairas, Tasos Hovardas
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  ABSTRACT: This article presents the findings of the first major visitor survey conducted at the Central Rhodope Mountain Complex, situated in northern Greece. The study area is one of a number of sites planned to become National Parks under a recent initiative of the Greek government. We used a logistic regression method to define significant predictors of visitors' awareness and attitude toward park designation, as well as their willingness to pay a conditional entrance fee. Study findings demonstrated that the probability of being aware of the park designation initiative is higher for visitors who obtained information from travel agencies or media to make their destination choice, compared to visitors who resorted to word-of-mouth recommendations. Knowledge and attitudes toward animals living in the study area revealed a limited influence on visitors' dispositions toward park designation. The results of this study call for action to implement education programs for National Park users. These programs should aim at rendering the environmental characteristics of the Central Rhodope Mountain Complex to be significant predictors of visitors' dispositions toward the study area. This would favor its uniqueness as a destination, as well as contribute to its long-term economic sustainability.
  Environmental Management 08/2005; 36(1):73-88. · 1.74 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Ioannis Machairas

  Article: Frequency of Aggressive Behavior and a case of Mortal Attack in Macaca sylvanus in the Middle Atlas Region Morocco

  Camperio Ciani A. Machairas I.
  HUMAN EVOLUTION. 01/2003; 18:123-130.